1
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Muratspahić E, Deibler K, Han J, Tomašević N, Jadhav KB, Olivé-Marti AL, Hochrainer N, Hellinger R, Koehbach J, Fay JF, Rahman MH, Hegazy L, Craven TW, Varga BR, Bhardwaj G, Appourchaux K, Majumdar S, Muttenthaler M, Hosseinzadeh P, Craik DJ, Spetea M, Che T, Baker D, Gruber CW. Design and structural validation of peptide-drug conjugate ligands of the kappa-opioid receptor. Nat Commun 2023; 14:8064. [PMID: 38052802 PMCID: PMC10698194 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43718-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the increasing number of GPCR structures and recent advances in peptide design, the development of efficient technologies allowing rational design of high-affinity peptide ligands for single GPCRs remains an unmet challenge. Here, we develop a computational approach for designing conjugates of lariat-shaped macrocyclized peptides and a small molecule opioid ligand. We demonstrate its feasibility by discovering chemical scaffolds for the kappa-opioid receptor (KOR) with desired pharmacological activities. The designed De Novo Cyclic Peptide (DNCP)-β-naloxamine (NalA) exhibit in vitro potent mixed KOR agonism/mu-opioid receptor (MOR) antagonism, nanomolar binding affinity, selectivity, and efficacy bias at KOR. Proof-of-concept in vivo efficacy studies demonstrate that DNCP-β-NalA(1) induces a potent KOR-mediated antinociception in male mice. The high-resolution cryo-EM structure (2.6 Å) of the DNCP-β-NalA-KOR-Gi1 complex and molecular dynamics simulations are harnessed to validate the computational design model. This reveals a network of residues in ECL2/3 and TM6/7 controlling the intrinsic efficacy of KOR. In general, our computational de novo platform overcomes extensive lead optimization encountered in ultra-large library docking and virtual small molecule screening campaigns and offers innovation for GPCR ligand discovery. This may drive the development of next-generation therapeutics for medical applications such as pain conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edin Muratspahić
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090, Vienna, Austria
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Kristine Deibler
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
- Novo Nordisk Research Center Seattle, Novo Nordisk A/S, 530 Fairview Ave N #5000, Seattle, WA, 97403, USA
| | - Jianming Han
- Center for Clinical Pharmacology, University of Health Sciences & Pharmacy at St. Louis and Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Nataša Tomašević
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Kirtikumar B Jadhav
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Aina-Leonor Olivé-Marti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80-82, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Nadine Hochrainer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80-82, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Roland Hellinger
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Johannes Koehbach
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty for Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Jonathan F Fay
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Mohammad Homaidur Rahman
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Administrative Sciences, Saint Louis College of Pharmacy, University of Health Sciences & Pharmacy in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Lamees Hegazy
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Administrative Sciences, Saint Louis College of Pharmacy, University of Health Sciences & Pharmacy in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Timothy W Craven
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Balazs R Varga
- Center for Clinical Pharmacology, University of Health Sciences & Pharmacy at St. Louis and Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Gaurav Bhardwaj
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Kevin Appourchaux
- Center for Clinical Pharmacology, University of Health Sciences & Pharmacy at St. Louis and Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Susruta Majumdar
- Center for Clinical Pharmacology, University of Health Sciences & Pharmacy at St. Louis and Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Markus Muttenthaler
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, 1090, Vienna, Austria
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Parisa Hosseinzadeh
- Department of Bioengineering, Knight Campus, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, 97403, USA
| | - David J Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Mariana Spetea
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80-82, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Tao Che
- Center for Clinical Pharmacology, University of Health Sciences & Pharmacy at St. Louis and Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
| | - David Baker
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, WA, 98195, USA.
| | - Christian W Gruber
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
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2
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Muratspahić E, White AM, Ciotu CI, Hochrainer N, Tomašević N, Koehbach J, Lewis RJ, Spetea M, Fischer MJM, Craik DJ, Gruber CW. Development of a Selective Peptide κ-Opioid Receptor Antagonist by Late-Stage Functionalization with Cysteine Staples. J Med Chem 2023; 66:11843-11854. [PMID: 37632447 PMCID: PMC10510397 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023]
Abstract
The κ-opioid receptor (KOR) is an attractive target for the development of novel drugs. KOR agonists are potentially safer pain medications, whereas KOR antagonists are promising drug candidates for the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders. Hitherto, the vast majority of selective drug leads that have been developed for KOR are small molecules. In this study, novel peptide probes were designed by using an endogenous dynorphin A1-13 sequence as a template for peptide stapling via late-stage cysteine functionalization. Leveraging this strategy, we developed a stable and potent KOR antagonist, CSD-CH2(1,8)-NH2, with approximately 1000-fold improved selectivity for KOR over μ- and δ-opioid receptors. Its potent competitive KOR antagonism was verified in KOR-expressing cells, peripheral dorsal root ganglion neurons, and using the tail-flick and rotarod tests in mice. This work highlights the value of cysteine stapling to develop selective peptide probes to modulate central KOR function, as innovative peptide drug candidates for the treatment of KOR-related illnesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edin Muratspahić
- Center
for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Andrew M. White
- Institute
for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence
for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, 4072 Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Cosmin I. Ciotu
- Center
for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Physiology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Nadine Hochrainer
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for
Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80-82, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Nataša Tomašević
- Center
for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Johannes Koehbach
- Institute
for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence
for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, 4072 Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Richard J. Lewis
- Institute
for Molecular Bioscience, The University
of Queensland, 4072 Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Mariana Spetea
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for
Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80-82, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Michael J. M. Fischer
- Center
for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Physiology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - David J. Craik
- Institute
for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence
for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, 4072 Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Christian W. Gruber
- Center
for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
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3
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Galante P, Campos GAA, Moser JCG, Martins DB, Dos Santos Cabrera MP, Rangel M, Coelho LC, Simon KS, Amado VM, de A I Muller J, Koehbach J, Lohman RJ, Cabot PJ, Vetter I, Craik DJ, Toffoli-Kadri MC, Monge-Fuentes V, Goulart JT, Schwartz EF, Silva LP, Bocca AL, Mortari MR. Exploring the therapeutic potential of an antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory peptide from wasp venom. Sci Rep 2023; 13:12491. [PMID: 37528129 PMCID: PMC10393941 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-38828-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Animal venoms are rich sources of neuroactive compounds, including anti-inflammatory, antiepileptic, and antinociceptive molecules. Our study identified a protonectin peptide from the wasp Parachartergus fraternus' venom using mass spectrometry and cDNA library construction. Using this peptide as a template, we designed a new peptide, protonectin-F, which exhibited higher antinociceptive activity and less motor impairment compared to protonectin. In drug interaction experiments with naloxone and AM251, Protonectin-F's activity was decreased by opioid and cannabinoid antagonism, two critical antinociception pathways. Further experiments revealed that this effect is most likely not induced by direct action on receptors but by activation of the descending pain control pathway. We noted that protonectin-F induced less tolerance in mice after repeated administration than morphine. Protonectin-F was also able to decrease TNF-α production in vitro and modulate the inflammatory response, which can further contribute to its antinociceptive activity. These findings suggest that protonectin-F may be a potential molecule for developing drugs to treat pain disorders with fewer adverse effects. Our results reinforce the biotechnological importance of animal venom for developing new molecules of clinical interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscilla Galante
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF, 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Gabriel A A Campos
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF, 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Jacqueline C G Moser
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF, 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Danubia B Martins
- Department of Physics, IBILCE, São Paulo State University, São José do Rio Preto, SP, 15054-000, Brazil
| | | | - Marisa Rangel
- Immunopathology Laboratory, Butantan Institute, Sao Paulo, SP, 05503-900, Brazil
| | - Luiza C Coelho
- Laboratory of Applied Immunology, Department of Cell Biology, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, DF, 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Karina S Simon
- Laboratory of Applied Immunology, Department of Cell Biology, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, DF, 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Veronica M Amado
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Brasília, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, DF, 79910-900, Brazil
| | - Jessica de A I Muller
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Inflammation FACFAN, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, 79070-900, Brazil
| | - Johannes Koehbach
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Rink-Jan Lohman
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Peter J Cabot
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Irina Vetter
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - David J Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Monica C Toffoli-Kadri
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Inflammation FACFAN, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, 79070-900, Brazil
| | - Victoria Monge-Fuentes
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF, 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Jair T Goulart
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF, 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Elisabeth F Schwartz
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF, 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Luciano P Silva
- Laboratory of Nanobiotechnology, Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasília, DF, 70770917, Brazil
| | - Anamelia L Bocca
- Laboratory of Applied Immunology, Department of Cell Biology, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, DF, 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Márcia R Mortari
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF, 70910-900, Brazil.
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4
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Zhou Y, Harvey PJ, Koehbach J, Chan LY, Jones A, Andersson Å, Vetter I, Durek T, Craik DJ. A Chemoenzymatic Approach To Produce a Cyclic Analogue of the Analgesic Drug MVIIA (Ziconotide). Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202302812. [PMID: 37148162 PMCID: PMC10952433 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202302812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Ziconotide (ω-conotoxin MVIIA) is an approved analgesic for the treatment of chronic pain. However, the need for intrathecal administration and adverse effects have limited its widespread application. Backbone cyclization is one way to improve the pharmaceutical properties of conopeptides, but so far chemical synthesis alone has been unable to produce correctly folded and backbone cyclic analogues of MVIIA. In this study, an asparaginyl endopeptidase (AEP)-mediated cyclization was used to generate backbone cyclic analogues of MVIIA for the first time. Cyclization using six- to nine-residue linkers did not perturb the overall structure of MVIIA, and the cyclic analogues of MVIIA showed inhibition of voltage-gated calcium channels (CaV 2.2) and substantially improved stability in human serum and stimulated intestinal fluid. Our study reveals that AEP transpeptidases are capable of cyclizing structurally complex peptides that chemical synthesis cannot achieve and paves the way for further improving the therapeutic value of conotoxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhou
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein ScienceInstitute for Molecular BioscienceThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLD4072Australia
| | - Peta J. Harvey
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein ScienceInstitute for Molecular BioscienceThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLD4072Australia
| | - Johannes Koehbach
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein ScienceInstitute for Molecular BioscienceThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLD4072Australia
| | - Lai Yue Chan
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein ScienceInstitute for Molecular BioscienceThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLD4072Australia
| | - Alun Jones
- Institute for Molecular BioscienceThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLD4072Australia
| | - Åsa Andersson
- Institute for Molecular BioscienceThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLD4072Australia
| | - Irina Vetter
- School of PharmacyInstitute for Molecular BioscienceThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLD4072Australia
| | - Thomas Durek
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein ScienceInstitute for Molecular BioscienceThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLD4072Australia
| | - David J. Craik
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein ScienceInstitute for Molecular BioscienceThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLD4072Australia
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5
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Rajapakse N, Nomura H, Wu M, Song J, Hung A, Tran S, Ta H, Akther F, Wu Y, Johansen M, Chew K, Kumar V, Woodruff T, Clark R, Koehbach J, Lomonte B, Rosado C, Thomas M, Boudes M, Reboul C, Rash L, Gallo L, Essid S, Elmlund D, Miemczyk S, Hansbro N, Saunders B, Britton W, Sly P, Yamamoto A, Fernandez J, Moyle P, Short K, Hansbro P, Kuruppu S, Smith I. Development of a novel angiotensin converting enzyme 2 stimulator with broad implications in SARS-CoV2 and type 1 diabetes. Res Sq 2023:rs.3.rs-2642181. [PMID: 37066342 PMCID: PMC10104254 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2642181/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is protective in cardiovascular disease, lung injury and diabetes yet paradoxically underlies our susceptibility to SARs-CoV2 infection and the fatal heart and lung disease it can induce. Furthermore, diabetic patients have chronic, systemic inflammation and altered ACE2 expression resulting in increased risk of severe COVID-19 and the associated mortality. A drug that could increase ACE2 activity and inhibit cellular uptake of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARs-CoV2), thus decrease infection, would be of high relevance to cardiovascular disease, diabetes and SARs-CoV2 infection. While the need for such a drug lead was highlighted over a decade ago receiving over 600 citations,1 to date, no such drugs are available.2 Here, we report the development of a novel ACE2 stimulator, designated '2A'(international PCT filed), which is a 10 amino acid peptide derived from a snake venom, and demonstrate its in vitro and in vivo efficacy against SARs-CoV2 infection and associated lung inflammation. Peptide 2A also provides remarkable protection against glycaemic dysregulation, weight loss and disease severity in a mouse model of type 1 diabetes. No untoward effects of 2A were observed in these pre-clinical models suggesting its strong clinical translation potential.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Melanie Wu
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland
| | | | | | - Shirley Tran
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland
| | | | | | | | | | - Keng Chew
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland
| | - Vinod Kumar
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Merlin Thomas
- Department of Diabetes, Central Clinical School, Monash University
| | | | | | - Lachlan Rash
- The University of Queensland St Lucia QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Linda Gallo
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland
| | - Sumia Essid
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland
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6
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Muller JAI, Chan LY, Toffoli-Kadri MC, Mortari MR, Craik DJ, Koehbach J. Antinociceptive peptides from venomous arthropods. TOXIN REV 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/15569543.2022.2065510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica A. I. Muller
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Inflammation, FACFAN/Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Lai Y. Chan
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Monica C. Toffoli-Kadri
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Inflammation, FACFAN/Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Marcia R. Mortari
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, IB/University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - David J. Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Johannes Koehbach
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
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7
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Hellinger R, Muratspahić E, Devi S, Koehbach J, Vasileva M, Harvey PJ, Craik DJ, Gründemann C, Gruber CW. Importance of the Cyclic Cystine Knot Structural Motif for Immunosuppressive Effects of Cyclotides. ACS Chem Biol 2021; 16:2373-2386. [PMID: 34592097 PMCID: PMC9286316 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.1c00524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The cyclotide T20K inhibits the proliferation of human immune cells and is currently in clinical trials for multiple sclerosis. Here, we provide novel functional data and mechanistic insights into structure-activity relationships of T20K. Analogs with partial or complete reduction of the cystine knot had loss of function in proliferation experiments. Similarly, an acyclic analog of T20K was inactive in lymphocyte bioassays. The lack of activity of non-native peptide analogs appears to be associated with the ability of cyclotides to interact with and penetrate cell membranes, since cellular uptake studies demonstrated fast fractional transfer only of the native peptide into the cytosol of human immune cells. Therefore, structural differences between cyclic and linear native folded peptides were investigated by NMR to elucidate structure-activity relationships. Acyclic T20K had a less rigid backbone and considerable structural changes in loops 1 and 6 compared to the native cyclic T20K, supporting the idea that the cyclic cystine knot motif is a unique bioactive scaffold. This study provides evidence that this structural motif in cyclotides governs bioactivity, interactions with and transport across biological membranes, and the structural integrity of these peptides. These observations could be useful to understand the structure-activity of other cystine knot proteins due to the structural conservation of the cystine knot motif across evolution and to provide guidance for the design of novel cyclic cysteine-stabilized molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roland Hellinger
- Center for
Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University
of Vienna, Schwarzspanierstr. 17, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - Edin Muratspahić
- Center for
Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University
of Vienna, Schwarzspanierstr. 17, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - Seema Devi
- Institute
for Infection Prevention and Hospital Epidemiology, Center for Complementary
Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University
of Freiburg, Breisacher Str. 115B, Freiburg 79106, Germany
| | - Johannes Koehbach
- Institute
for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence
for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Mina Vasileva
- Center for
Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University
of Vienna, Schwarzspanierstr. 17, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - Peta J. Harvey
- Institute
for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence
for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - David J. Craik
- Institute
for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence
for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Carsten Gründemann
- Translational
Complementary Medicine, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Klingelbergstr. 80, Basel 4056, Switzerland
| | - Christian W. Gruber
- Center for
Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University
of Vienna, Schwarzspanierstr. 17, Vienna 1090, Austria
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8
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Muratspahić E, Tomašević N, Koehbach J, Duerrauer L, Hadžić S, Castro J, Schober G, Sideromenos S, Clark RJ, Brierley SM, Craik DJ, Gruber CW. Design of a Stable Cyclic Peptide Analgesic Derived from Sunflower Seeds that Targets the κ-Opioid Receptor for the Treatment of Chronic Abdominal Pain. J Med Chem 2021; 64:9042-9055. [PMID: 34162205 PMCID: PMC8273886 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The rising opioid crisis has become a worldwide societal and public health burden, resulting from the abuse of prescription opioids. Targeting the κ-opioid receptor (KOR) in the periphery has emerged as a powerful approach to develop novel pain medications without central side effects. Inspired by the traditional use of sunflower (Helianthus annuus) preparations for analgesic purposes, we developed novel stabilized KOR ligands (termed as helianorphins) by incorporating different dynorphin A sequence fragments into a cyclic sunflower peptide scaffold. As a result, helianorphin-19 selectively bound to and fully activated the KOR with nanomolar potency. Importantly, helianorphin-19 exhibited strong KOR-specific peripheral analgesic activity in a mouse model of chronic visceral pain, without inducing unwanted central effects on motor coordination/sedation. Our study provides a proof of principle that cyclic peptides from plants may be used as templates to develop potent and stable peptide analgesics applicable via enteric administration by targeting the peripheral KOR for the treatment of chronic abdominal pain.
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MESH Headings
- Abdominal Pain/drug therapy
- Analgesics/chemical synthesis
- Analgesics/chemistry
- Analgesics/pharmacology
- Animals
- Cells, Cultured
- Chronic Disease
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Drug Design
- HEK293 Cells
- Helianthus/chemistry
- Humans
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Molecular Structure
- Peptides, Cyclic/chemical synthesis
- Peptides, Cyclic/chemistry
- Peptides, Cyclic/pharmacology
- Plant Extracts/chemical synthesis
- Plant Extracts/chemistry
- Plant Extracts/pharmacology
- Receptors, Opioid, kappa/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptors, Opioid, kappa/metabolism
- Seeds/chemistry
- Structure-Activity Relationship
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Affiliation(s)
- Edin Muratspahić
- Center
for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Nataša Tomašević
- Center
for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Johannes Koehbach
- Institute
for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence
for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Leopold Duerrauer
- Center
for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- School
of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Seid Hadžić
- Center
for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Joel Castro
- Visceral
Pain Research Group, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders
Health and Medical Research Institute (FHMRI), Flinders University, Bedford
Park, South Australia 5042, Australia
- Hopwood
Centre for Neurobiology, Lifelong Health Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia 5000, Australia
| | - Gudrun Schober
- Visceral
Pain Research Group, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders
Health and Medical Research Institute (FHMRI), Flinders University, Bedford
Park, South Australia 5042, Australia
- Hopwood
Centre for Neurobiology, Lifelong Health Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia 5000, Australia
| | - Spyridon Sideromenos
- Center for
Physiology and Pharmacology, Department of Neurophysiology and Neuropharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Richard J. Clark
- School
of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Stuart M. Brierley
- Visceral
Pain Research Group, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders
Health and Medical Research Institute (FHMRI), Flinders University, Bedford
Park, South Australia 5042, Australia
- Hopwood
Centre for Neurobiology, Lifelong Health Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia 5000, Australia
- Discipline
of Medicine, University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia 5000, Australia
| | - David J. Craik
- Institute
for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence
for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Christian W. Gruber
- Center
for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
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9
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Muller JAI, Lawrence N, Chan LY, Harvey PJ, Elliott AG, Blaskovich MAT, Gonçalves JC, Galante P, Mortari MR, Toffoli-Kadri MC, Koehbach J, Craik DJ. Antimicrobial and Anticancer Properties of Synthetic Peptides Derived from the Wasp Parachartergus fraternus. Chembiochem 2021; 22:1415-1423. [PMID: 33244888 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202000716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Agelaia-MPI and protonectin are antimicrobial peptides isolated from the wasp Parachartergus fraternus that show antimicrobial and neuroactive activities. Previously, two analogues of these peptides, neuroVAL and protonectin-F, were designed to reduce nonspecific toxicity and improve potency. Here, the three-dimensional structures of neuroVAL, protonectin and protonectin-F were determined by using circular dichroism and NMR spectroscopy. Antibacterial, antifungal, cytotoxic and hemolytic activities were tested for the parent peptides and analogues. All peptides showed moderate antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria, with agelaia-MPI being the most active. Protonectin and protonectin-F were found to be toxic to cancerous and noncancerous cell lines. Internalization experiments revealed that these peptides accumulate inside both cell types. By contrast, neuroVAL was nontoxic to all tested cells and was able to enter cells without accumulating. In summary, neuroVAL has potential as a nontoxic cell-penetrating peptide, while protonectin-F needs further modification to realize its potential as an antitumor peptide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica A I Muller
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia.,Laboratory of Pharmacology and Inflammation, FACFAN/Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Nicole Lawrence
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Lai Yue Chan
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Peta J Harvey
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Alysha G Elliott
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Centre for Superbug Solutions, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Mark A T Blaskovich
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Centre for Superbug Solutions, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Jacqueline C Gonçalves
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, IB/University of Brasilia, Federal District, Brasilia, 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Priscilla Galante
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, IB/University of Brasilia, Federal District, Brasilia, 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Marcia R Mortari
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, IB/University of Brasilia, Federal District, Brasilia, 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Mônica C Toffoli-Kadri
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Inflammation, FACFAN/Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Johannes Koehbach
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - David J Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia
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10
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Pinto MEF, Chan LY, Koehbach J, Devi S, Gründemann C, Gruber CW, Gomes M, Bolzani VS, Cilli EM, Craik DJ. Cyclotides from Brazilian Palicourea sessilis and Their Effects on Human Lymphocytes. J Nat Prod 2021; 84:81-90. [PMID: 33397096 PMCID: PMC7836058 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.0c01069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Cyclotides are plant-derived peptides found within five families of flowering plants (Violaceae, Rubiaceae, Fabaceae, Solanaceae, and Poaceae) that have a cyclic backbone and six conserved cysteine residues linked by disulfide bonds. Their presence within the Violaceae species seems ubiquitous, yet not all members of other families produce these macrocyclic peptides. The genus Palicourea Aubl. (Rubiaceae) contains hundreds of neotropical species of shrubs and small trees; however, only a few cyclotides have been discovered hitherto. Herein, five previously uncharacterized Möbius cyclotides within Palicourea sessilis and their pharmacological activities are described. Cyclotides were isolated from leaves and stems of this plant and identified as pase A-E, as well as the known peptide kalata S. Cyclotides were de novo sequenced by MALDI-TOF/TOF mass spectrometry, and their structures were solved by NMR spectroscopy. Because some cyclotides have been reported to modulate immune cells, pase A-D were assayed for cell proliferation of human primary activated T lymphocytes, and the results showed a dose-dependent antiproliferative function. The toxicity on other nonimmune cells was also assessed. This study reveals that pase cyclotides have potential for applications as immunosuppressants and in immune-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meri Emili F. Pinto
- Institute
of Chemistry, São Paulo State University−UNESP, Araraquara, 14800-060 SP, Brazil
- Institute
for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence
for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4072 Queensland, Australia
- Phone: 55-16-33019510.
| | - Lai Yue Chan
- Institute
for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence
for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4072 Queensland, Australia
| | - Johannes Koehbach
- Institute
for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence
for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4072 Queensland, Australia
| | - Seema Devi
- Institute
for Infection Prevention and Hospital Epidemiology, Center for Complementary
Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79111 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Carsten Gründemann
- Translational
Complementary Medicine, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Christian W. Gruber
- Center
for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical
University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Mario Gomes
- Rio
de Janeiro
Botanic Garden Research Institute−JBRJ, Rio de Janeiro, 22470-180 RJ, Brazil
| | - Vanderlan S. Bolzani
- Institute
of Chemistry, São Paulo State University−UNESP, Araraquara, 14800-060 SP, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Maffud Cilli
- Institute
of Chemistry, São Paulo State University−UNESP, Araraquara, 14800-060 SP, Brazil
| | - David J. Craik
- Institute
for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence
for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4072 Queensland, Australia
- Phone: 61-7-3346-2019.
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11
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Muratspahić E, Koehbach J, Gruber CW, Craik DJ. Harnessing cyclotides to design and develop novel peptide GPCR ligands. RSC Chem Biol 2020; 1:177-191. [PMID: 34458757 PMCID: PMC8341132 DOI: 10.1039/d0cb00062k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclotides are plant-derived cyclic, disulfide-rich peptides with a unique cyclic cystine knot topology that confers them with remarkable structural stability and resistance to proteolytic degradation. Recently, cyclotides have emerged as promising scaffold molecules for designing peptide-based therapeutics. Here, we provide examples of how engineering cyclotides using molecular grafting may lead to the development of novel peptide ligands of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), today's most exploited drug targets. Integrating bioactive epitopes into stable cyclotide scaffolds can lead to improved pharmacokinetics and oral activity as well as selectivity and high enzymatic stability. We also discuss and highlight the importance of engineered cyclotides as novel tools to study GPCR signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edin Muratspahić
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna Austria
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland 4072 Australia
| | - Johannes Koehbach
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland 4072 Australia
| | - Christian W Gruber
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna Austria
| | - David J Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland 4072 Australia
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12
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Koehbach J, Craik DJ. The Vast Structural Diversity of Antimicrobial Peptides. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2019; 40:517-528. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2019.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Revised: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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13
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Pinto MEF, Najas JZG, Magalhães LG, Bobey AF, Mendonça JN, Lopes NP, Leme FM, Teixeira SP, Trovó M, Andricopulo AD, Koehbach J, Gruber CW, Cilli EM, Bolzani VS. Inhibition of Breast Cancer Cell Migration by Cyclotides Isolated from Pombalia calceolaria. J Nat Prod 2018; 81:1203-1208. [PMID: 29757646 PMCID: PMC5974699 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.7b00969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Two new bracelet cyclotides from roots of Pombalia calceolaria with potential anticancer activity have been characterized in this work. The cyclotides Poca A and B (1 and 2) and the previously known CyO4 (3) were de novo sequenced by MALDI-TOF/TOF mass spectrometry (MS). The MS2 spectra were examined and the amino acid sequences were determined. The purified peptides were tested for their cytotoxicity and effects on cell migration of MDA-MB-231, a triple-negative breast cancer cell line. The isolated cyclotides reduced the number of cancer cells by more than 80% at 20 μM, and the concentration-related cytotoxic responses were observed with IC50 values of 1.8, 2.7, and 9.8 μM for Poca A (1), Poca B (2), and CyO4 (3), respectively. Additionally, the inhibition of cell migration (wound-healing assay) exhibited that CyO4 (3) presents an interesting activity profile, in being able to inhibit cell migration (50%) at a subtoxic concentration (2 μM). The distribution of these cyclotides in the roots was analyzed by MALDI imaging, demonstrating that all three compounds are present in the phloem and cortical parenchyma regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meri Emili F. Pinto
- Institute
of Chemistry, São Paulo State University−UNESP, 14800-060, Araraquara, SP, Brazil
- Tel: 55-16-33019510. Fax: 55-16-33222308. E-mail:
| | - Jhenny Z. G. Najas
- Institute
of Chemistry, Federal University of Rio
de Janeiro−UFRJ, 21940-910, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Luma G. Magalhães
- Computational
and Medicinal Chemistry Laboratory, Physics Institute of São
Carlos, The University of São Paulo−USP, 13563-120, São
Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Antonio F. Bobey
- Institute
of Chemistry, São Paulo State University−UNESP, 14800-060, Araraquara, SP, Brazil
| | - Jacqueline N. Mendonça
- Faculty
of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, The University of São Paulo−USP, 14040-903, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Norberto P. Lopes
- Faculty
of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, The University of São Paulo−USP, 14040-903, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Flávia M. Leme
- Faculty
of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, The University of São Paulo−USP, 14040-903, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Simone P. Teixeira
- Faculty
of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, The University of São Paulo−USP, 14040-903, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Trovó
- Institute
of Chemistry, Federal University of Rio
de Janeiro−UFRJ, 21940-910, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Adriano D. Andricopulo
- Computational
and Medicinal Chemistry Laboratory, Physics Institute of São
Carlos, The University of São Paulo−USP, 13563-120, São
Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Johannes Koehbach
- Center
for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical
University of Vienna, 1090, Vienna, Austria
- Institute
for Molecular Bioscience, The University
of Queensland, 4072, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Christian W. Gruber
- Center
for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical
University of Vienna, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Eduardo Maffud Cilli
- Institute
of Chemistry, São Paulo State University−UNESP, 14800-060, Araraquara, SP, Brazil
| | - Vanderlan S. Bolzani
- Institute
of Chemistry, São Paulo State University−UNESP, 14800-060, Araraquara, SP, Brazil
- Tel: 55-16-33019660. Fax: 55-16-33222308. E-mail:
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14
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Rodriguez-Valle M, Moolhuijzen P, Barrero RA, Ong CT, Busch G, Karbanowicz T, Booth M, Clark R, Koehbach J, Ijaz H, Broady K, Agnew K, Knowles AG, Bellgard MI, Tabor AE. Transcriptome and toxin family analysis of the paralysis tick, Ixodes holocyclus. Int J Parasitol 2018; 48:71-82. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2017.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2017] [Revised: 07/26/2017] [Accepted: 07/31/2017] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
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15
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Abstract
Insects make up the largest and most diverse group of organisms on earth with several million species to exist in total. Considering the sheer number of insect species and the vast variety of ways they interact with their environment through chemistry, it is clear that they have significant potential as a source of new lead molecules. They have adapted to a range of ecological habitats and exhibit a symbiotic lifestyle with various microbes such as bacteria and fungi. Accordingly, numerous antimicrobial compounds have been identified including for example defensin peptides. Insect defensins were found to have broad-spectrum activity against various gram-positive/negative bacteria as well as fungi. They exhibit a unique structural topology involving the complex arrangement of three disulfide bonds as well as an alpha helix and beta sheets, which is known as cysteine-stabilized αβ motif. Their stability and amenability to peptide engineering make them promising candidates for the development of novel antibiotics lead molecules. This review highlights the current knowledge regarding the structure-activity relationships of insect defensin peptides and provides basis for future studies focusing on the rational design of novel cysteine-rich antimicrobial peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Koehbach
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of QueenslandSt. Lucia, QLD, Australia
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16
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Koehbach J, Clark RJ. Unveiling the diversity of cyclotides by combining peptidome and transcriptome analysis. Biopolymers 2016; 106:774-783. [DOI: 10.1002/bip.22858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2016] [Revised: 04/05/2016] [Accepted: 04/11/2016] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Koehbach
- School of Biomedical Sciences; The University of Queensland; 4072 St. Lucia QLD Australia
| | - Richard J. Clark
- School of Biomedical Sciences; The University of Queensland; 4072 St. Lucia QLD Australia
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17
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Chand KK, Lee KM, Lavidis NA, Rodriguez-Valle M, Ijaz H, Koehbach J, Clark RJ, Lew-Tabor A, Noakes PG. Tick holocyclotoxins trigger host paralysis by presynaptic inhibition. Sci Rep 2016; 6:29446. [PMID: 27389875 PMCID: PMC4937380 DOI: 10.1038/srep29446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2016] [Accepted: 06/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Ticks are important vectors of pathogens and secreted neurotoxins with approximately 69 out of 692 tick species having the ability to induce severe toxicoses in their hosts. The Australian paralysis tick (Ixodes holocyclus) is known to be one of the most virulent tick species producing a flaccid paralysis and fatalities caused by a family of neurotoxins known as holocyclotoxins (HTs). The paralysis mechanism of these toxins is temperature dependent and is thought to involve inhibition of acetylcholine levels at the neuromuscular junction. However, the target and mechanism of this inhibition remain uncharacterised. Here, we report that three members of the holocyclotoxin family; HT-1 (GenBank AY766147), HT-3 (GenBank KP096303) and HT-12 (GenBank KP963967) induce muscle paralysis by inhibiting the dependence of transmitter release on extracellular calcium. Previous study was conducted using extracts from tick salivary glands, while the present study is the first to use pure toxins from I. holocyclus. Our findings provide greater insight into the mechanisms by which these toxins act to induce paralysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirat K Chand
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, 4067, Australia
| | - Kah Meng Lee
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, 4067, Australia
| | - Nickolas A Lavidis
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, 4067, Australia
| | - Manuel Rodriguez-Valle
- Queensland Alliance for Agriculture &Food Innovation, The University of Queensland, QLD, Australia
| | - Hina Ijaz
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, 4067, Australia
| | - Johannes Koehbach
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, 4067, Australia
| | - Richard J Clark
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, 4067, Australia
| | - Ala Lew-Tabor
- Queensland Alliance for Agriculture &Food Innovation, The University of Queensland, QLD, Australia.,Centre for Comparative Genomics, Murdoch University, Perth, WA 6150, Australia
| | - Peter G Noakes
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, 4067, Australia
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18
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Koehbach J, Gruber CW, Becker C, Kreil DP, Jilek A. MALDI TOF/TOF-Based Approach for the Identification of d- Amino Acids in Biologically Active Peptides and Proteins. J Proteome Res 2016; 15:1487-96. [PMID: 26985971 PMCID: PMC4861975 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.5b01067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Several
biologically active peptides contain a d- amino
acid in a well-defined position, which is position 2 in all peptide
epimers isolated to date from vertebrates and also some from invertebrates.
The detection of such D- residues by standard analytical
techniques is challenging. In tandem mass spectrometric (MS) analysis,
although fragment masses are the same for all stereoisomers, peak
intensities are known to depend on chirality. Here, we observe that
the effect of a d- amino acid in the second N-terminal position
on the fragmentation pattern in matrix assisted laser desorption time-of-flight
spectrometry (MALDI-TOF/TOF MS) strongly depends on the peptide sequence.
Stereosensitive fragmentation (SF) is correlated to a neighborhood
effect, but the d- residue also exerts an overall effect
influencing distant bonds. In a fingerprint analysis, multiple peaks
can thus serve to identify the chirality of a sample in short time
and potentially high throughput. Problematic variations between individual
spots could be successfully suppressed by cospotting deuterated analogues
of the epimers. By identifying the [d-Leu2] isomer of the
predicted peptide GH-2 (gene derived bombininH) in skin secretions
of the toad Bombina orientalis, we
demonstrated the analytical power of SF-MALDI-TOF/TOF measurements.
In conclusion, SF-MALDI-TOF/TOF MS combines high sensitivity, versatility,
and the ability to complement other methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Koehbach
- Centre for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna , Schwarzspanierstraße 17, A-1090 Vienna, Austria.,School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland , Brisbane, QLD, 4072 Australia
| | - Christian W Gruber
- Centre for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna , Schwarzspanierstraße 17, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Christian Becker
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Vienna , Währinger Straße 38, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - David P Kreil
- Chair of Bioinformatics, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences , Muthgasse 18, A-1190 Vienna, Austria
| | - Alexander Jilek
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Vienna , Währinger Straße 38, A-1090 Vienna, Austria.,Chair of Bioinformatics, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences , Muthgasse 18, A-1190 Vienna, Austria
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19
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Hellinger R, Koehbach J, Soltis DE, Carpenter EJ, Wong GKS, Gruber CW. Peptidomics of Circular Cysteine-Rich Plant Peptides: Analysis of the Diversity of Cyclotides from Viola tricolor by Transcriptome and Proteome Mining. J Proteome Res 2015; 14:4851-62. [PMID: 26399495 PMCID: PMC4642221 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.5b00681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
![]()
Cyclotides are plant-derived mini proteins. They are genetically
encoded as precursor proteins that become post-translationally modified
to yield circular cystine-knotted molecules. Because of this structural
topology cyclotides resist enzymatic degradation in biological fluids,
and hence they are considered as promising lead molecules for pharmaceutical
applications. Despite ongoing efforts to discover novel cyclotides
and analyze their biodiversity, it is not clear how many individual
peptides a single plant specimen can express. Therefore, we investigated
the transcriptome and cyclotide peptidome of Viola tricolor. Transcriptome mining enabled the characterization of cyclotide
precursor architecture and processing sites important for biosynthesis
of mature peptides. The cyclotide peptidome was explored by mass spectrometry
and bottom-up proteomics using the extracted peptide sequences as
queries for database searching. In total 164 cyclotides were discovered
by nucleic acid and peptide analysis in V. tricolor. Therefore, violaceous plants at a global scale may be the source
to as many as 150 000 individual cyclotides. Encompassing the
diversity of V. tricolor as a combinatorial library
of bioactive peptides, this commercially available medicinal herb
may be a suitable starting point for future bioactivity-guided screening
studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roland Hellinger
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna , Schwarzspanierstrasse 17, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Johannes Koehbach
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna , Schwarzspanierstrasse 17, 1090 Vienna, Austria.,School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland , St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Douglas E Soltis
- Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida , Gainesville, Florida 32611, United States
| | - Eric J Carpenter
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta , Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E9, Canada
| | - Gane Ka-Shu Wong
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta , Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E9, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of Alberta , Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E1, Canada.,BGI-Shenzhen, Beishan Industrial Zone, Yantian District, Shenzhen 518083, China
| | - Christian W Gruber
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna , Schwarzspanierstrasse 17, 1090 Vienna, Austria.,School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland , St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
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20
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Hellinger R, Koehbach J, Puigpinós A, Clark RJ, Tarragó T, Giralt E, Gruber CW. Inhibition of Human Prolyl Oligopeptidase Activity by the Cyclotide Psysol 2 Isolated from Psychotria solitudinum. J Nat Prod 2015; 78:1073-82. [PMID: 25894999 PMCID: PMC4444998 DOI: 10.1021/np501061t] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2015] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Cyclotides are head-to-tail cyclized peptides comprising a stabilizing cystine-knot motif. To date, they are well known for their diverse bioactivities such as anti-HIV and immunosuppressive properties. Yet little is known about specific molecular mechanisms, in particular the interaction of cyclotides with cellular protein targets. Native and synthetic cyclotide-like peptides from Momordica plants are potent and selective inhibitors of different serine-type proteinases such as trypsin, chymotrypsin, matriptase, and tryptase-beta. This study describes the bioactivity-guided isolation of a cyclotide from Psychotria solitudinum as an inhibitor of another serine-type protease, namely, the human prolyl oligopeptidase (POP). Analysis of the inhibitory potency of Psychotria extracts and subsequent fractionation by liquid chromatography yielded the isolated peptide psysol 2 (1), which exhibited an IC50 of 25 μM. In addition the prototypical cyclotide kalata B1 inhibited POP activity with an IC50 of 5.6 μM. The inhibitory activity appeared to be selective for POP, since neither psysol 2 nor kalata B1 were able to inhibit the proteolytic activity of trypsin or chymotrypsin. The enzyme POP is well known for its role in memory and learning processes, and it is currently being considered as a promising therapeutic target for the cognitive deficits associated with several psychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases, such as schizophrenia and Parkinson's disease. In the context of discovery and development of POP inhibitors with beneficial ADME properties, cyclotides may be suitable starting points considering their stability in biological fluids and possible oral bioavailability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roland Hellinger
- Center
for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical
University of Vienna, Schwarzspanierstrasse 17, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Johannes Koehbach
- Center
for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical
University of Vienna, Schwarzspanierstrasse 17, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Albert Puigpinós
- Institute
for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Richard J. Clark
- School
of Biomedical Sciences, The University of
Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Teresa Tarragó
- Institute
for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ernest Giralt
- Institute
for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Department
of Organic Chemistry, University of Barcelona
(UB), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Christian W. Gruber
- Center
for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical
University of Vienna, Schwarzspanierstrasse 17, 1090 Vienna, Austria
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21
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Pinto MEF, Batista JM, Koehbach J, Gaur P, Sharma A, Nakabashi M, Cilli EM, Giesel GM, Verli H, Gruber CW, Blanch EW, Tavares JF, da Silva MS, Garcia CRS, Bolzani VS. Ribifolin, an orbitide from Jatropha ribifolia, and its potential antimalarial activity. J Nat Prod 2015; 78:374-80. [PMID: 25699574 DOI: 10.1021/np5007668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
A new orbitide named ribifolin was isolated and characterized from Jatropha ribifolia using mass spectrometry, NMR spectroscopy, quantitative amino acid analysis, molecular dynamics/simulated annealing, and Raman optical activity measurements and calculations. Ribifolin (1) and its linear form (1a) were synthesized by solid-phase peptide synthesis, followed by evaluation of its antiplasmodial and cytotoxicity activities. Compound 1 was moderately effective (IC50 = 42 μM) against the Plasmodium falciparum strain 3D7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meri Emili F Pinto
- †Institute of Chemistry, São Paulo State University-UNESP, 14800-060, Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - João M Batista
- †Institute of Chemistry, São Paulo State University-UNESP, 14800-060, Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil
- ‡Manchester Institute of Biotechnology and Faculty of Life Sciences, The University of Manchester, M1 7DN, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Johannes Koehbach
- §School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, 4072, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia
- ⊥Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Pratibha Gaur
- ∥Departament of Physiology, Institute of Biosciences, The University of São Paulo-USP, 05508-900, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Abhinay Sharma
- ∥Departament of Physiology, Institute of Biosciences, The University of São Paulo-USP, 05508-900, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Myna Nakabashi
- ∥Departament of Physiology, Institute of Biosciences, The University of São Paulo-USP, 05508-900, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Maffud Cilli
- †Institute of Chemistry, São Paulo State University-UNESP, 14800-060, Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Guilherme M Giesel
- #Center of Biotechnology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul-UFRGS, 91500-970, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Hugo Verli
- #Center of Biotechnology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul-UFRGS, 91500-970, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Christian W Gruber
- ⊥Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ewan W Blanch
- ‡Manchester Institute of Biotechnology and Faculty of Life Sciences, The University of Manchester, M1 7DN, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Joseam F Tavares
- □Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology, Federal University of Paraíba-UFPB, 58051-970, João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil
| | - Marcelo S da Silva
- □Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology, Federal University of Paraíba-UFPB, 58051-970, João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil
| | - Celia R S Garcia
- ∥Departament of Physiology, Institute of Biosciences, The University of São Paulo-USP, 05508-900, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Vanderlan S Bolzani
- †Institute of Chemistry, São Paulo State University-UNESP, 14800-060, Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil
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22
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Abstract
Nature's diversity is one of the biggest resources of therapeutic lead compounds. Traditionally-used herbal remedies harbor a variety of bioactive compounds providing researchers with starting points for drug development. Ethnopharmacological investigations of uterotonic plant preparations identified a class of circular and disulfide-rich peptides, called cyclotides, to exhibit strong uterine contractions. In humans one of the physiological regulators of the myometrial contractility is the nonapeptide oxytocin acting on its cognate G protein-coupled receptors. They are considered to represent one of the most promising drug targets with ~30% of all currently marketed drugs acting on these transmembrane receptors. Based on observed similarities regarding the activity and structure of plant cyclotides with human oxytocin we analyzed the pharmacological principle of their action and identified the oxytocin and vasopressin 1a receptors as molecular targets of cyclotides from the Rubiaceae plant Oldenlandia affinis. Using a synthetic approach, the sequence of the native cyclotide kalata B7 was used to design oxytocin-like nonapeptides with nanomolar affinity and selectivity for the oxytocin receptor. This provides formal proof for the use of cyclotides as templates in peptide ligand design. At a more general level, mining of naturally-occurring peptides is a promising tool for the identification and the design of novel G protein-coupled receptor ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Koehbach
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology; Medical University of Vienna; Vienna, Austria
| | - Christian W Gruber
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology; Medical University of Vienna; Vienna, Austria
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Hellinger R, Koehbach J, Fedchuk H, Sauer B, Huber R, Gruber CW, Gründemann C. Immunosuppressive activity of an aqueous Viola tricolor herbal extract. J Ethnopharmacol 2014; 151:299-306. [PMID: 24216163 PMCID: PMC3918579 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2013.10.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2013] [Revised: 10/16/2013] [Accepted: 10/23/2013] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Heartsease (Viola tricolor L.), a member of the Violaceae family, has a long history as a medicinal plant and has been documented in the Pharmacopoeia of Europe. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties it is regarded as a traditional remedy against skin diseases, for example for the treatment of scabs, itching, ulcers, eczema or psoriasis, and it is also used in the treatment of inflammation of the lungs and chest such as bronchitis or asthma. Because T-cells play an important role in the pathological process of inflammatory diseases we investigated the effect of an aqueous Viola extract on lymphocyte functions and explored the 'active' principle of the extract using bioactivity-guided fractionation. MATERIAL AND METHODS An aqueous Viola extract was prepared by C18 solid-phase extraction. Effects on proliferation of activated lymphocytes (using the cell membrane permeable fluorescein dye CFSE), apoptosis and necrosis (using annexin V and propidium iodide staining), interleukin-2 (IL-2) receptor expression (using fluorochrome-conjugated antibodies) and IL-2 cytokine secretion (using an ELISA-based bead array system) were measured by flow cytometry. Influence on lymphocyte polyfunctionality was characterized by Viola extract-induced production of IFN-γ and TNF-α, as well as its influence on lymphocyte degranulation activity. Fractionation and phytochemical analysis of the extract were performed by RP-HPLC and mass spectrometry. RESULTS The aqueous Viola extract inhibited proliferation of activated lymphocytes by reducing IL-2 cytokine secretion without affecting IL-2 receptor expression. Similarly, effector functions were affected as indicated by the reduction of IFN-γ and TNF-α production; degranulation capacity of activated lymphocytes remained unaffected. Bioassay-guided fractionation and phytochemical analysis of the extract led to identification of circular plant peptides, so called cyclotides, as bioactive components. CONCLUSION An aqueous Viola extract contains bioactive cyclotides, which inhibit proliferation of activated lymphocytes in an IL-2 dependent manner. The findings provide a rationale for use of herbal Viola preparations in the therapy of disorders related to an overactive immune system. However, further studies to evaluate its clinical potency and potential risks have to be performed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roland Hellinger
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Schwarzspanierstrasse 17, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Johannes Koehbach
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Schwarzspanierstrasse 17, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Halyna Fedchuk
- Center for Complementary Medicine, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University Medical Center Freiburg, Breisacher Street 115B, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Barbara Sauer
- Center for Complementary Medicine, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University Medical Center Freiburg, Breisacher Street 115B, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Roman Huber
- Center for Complementary Medicine, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University Medical Center Freiburg, Breisacher Street 115B, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Christian W. Gruber
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Schwarzspanierstrasse 17, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Carsten Gründemann
- Center for Complementary Medicine, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University Medical Center Freiburg, Breisacher Street 115B, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
- Corresponding author. Tel.: +49 761 270 83170; fax: +49 761 270 83230. (C. Gründemann)
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Koehbach J, Attah AF, Berger A, Hellinger R, Kutchan TM, Carpenter EJ, Rolf M, Sonibare MA, Moody JO, Ka-Shu Wong G, Dessein S, Greger H, Gruber CW. Cyclotide discovery in Gentianales revisited--identification and characterization of cyclic cystine-knot peptides and their phylogenetic distribution in Rubiaceae plants. Biopolymers 2013; 100:438-52. [PMID: 23897543 PMCID: PMC3816352 DOI: 10.1002/bip.22328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2012] [Accepted: 06/07/2013] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Cyclotides are a unique class of ribosomally synthesized cysteine-rich miniproteins characterized by a head-to-tail cyclized backbone and three conserved disulfide-bonds in a knotted arrangement. Originally they were discovered in the coffee-family plant Oldenlandia affinis (Rubiaceae) and have since been identified in several species of the violet, cucurbit, pea, potato, and grass families. However, the identification of novel cyclotide-containing plant species still is a major challenge due to the lack of a rapid and accurate analytical workflow in particular for large sampling numbers. As a consequence, their phylogeny in the plant kingdom remains unclear. To gain further insight into the distribution and evolution of plant cyclotides, we analyzed ∼300 species of >40 different families, with special emphasis on plants from the order Gentianales. For this purpose, we have developed a refined screening methodology combining chemical analysis of plant extracts and bioinformatic analysis of transcript databases. Using mass spectrometry and transcriptome-mining, we identified nine novel cyclotide-containing species and their related cyclotide precursor genes in the tribe Palicoureeae. The characterization of novel peptide sequences underlines the high variability and plasticity of the cyclotide framework, and a comparison of novel precursor proteins from Carapichea ipecacuanha illustrated their typical cyclotide gene architectures. Phylogenetic analysis of their distribution within the Psychotria alliance revealed cyclotides to be restricted to Palicourea, Margaritopsis, Notopleura, Carapichea, Chassalia, and Geophila. In line with previous reports, our findings confirm cyclotides to be one of the largest peptide families within the plant kingdom and suggest that their total number may exceed tens of thousands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Koehbach
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Schwarzspanierstrasse 17, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Alfred F. Attah
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Schwarzspanierstrasse 17, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Andreas Berger
- Department of Systematic and Evolutionary Botany, University of Vienna, Rennweg 14, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Roland Hellinger
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Schwarzspanierstrasse 17, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Eric J. Carpenter
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Megan Rolf
- Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, St. Louis, MO
| | - Mubo A. Sonibare
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Jones O. Moody
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Gane Ka-Shu Wong
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- BGI-Shenzhen, Bei Shan Industrial Zone, Yantian District, Shenzhen, China
| | - Steven Dessein
- National Botanic Garden of Belgium, Domein van Bouchout, 1860 Meise, Belgium
| | - Harald Greger
- Department of Systematic and Evolutionary Botany, University of Vienna, Rennweg 14, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Christian W. Gruber
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Schwarzspanierstrasse 17, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Department of Pharmacognosy, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14, 1090 Vienna, Austria
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25
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26
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Koehbach J, Attah AF, O’Brien M, Freissmuth M, Gruber CW. Peptidomics screening for the discovery of uterotonic plant peptides. BMC Pharmacol Toxicol 2012. [PMCID: PMC3506357 DOI: 10.1186/2050-6511-13-s1-a89] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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27
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Attah AF, O'Brien M, Koehbach J, Sonibare MA, Moody JO, Smith TJ, Gruber CW. Uterine contractility of plants used to facilitate childbirth in Nigerian ethnomedicine. J Ethnopharmacol 2012; 143:377-82. [PMID: 22766472 PMCID: PMC3430860 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2012.06.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2012] [Revised: 05/14/2012] [Accepted: 06/24/2012] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Pregnant women in Nigeria use plant preparations to facilitate childbirth and to reduce associated pain. The rationale for this is not known and requires pharmacological validation. AIM OF STUDY Obtain primary information regarding the traditional use of plants and analyze their uterine contractility at cellular level. MATERIALS AND METHODS Semi-structured, open interviews using questionnaires of traditional healthcare professionals and other informants triggered the collection and identification of medicinal plant species. The relative traditional importance of each medicinal plant was determined by its use-mention index. Extracts of these plants were analyzed for their uterotonic properties on an in vitro human uterine cell collagen model. RESULT The plants Calotropis procera, Commelina africana, Duranta repens, Hyptis suaveolens, Ocimum gratissimum, Saba comorensis, Sclerocarya birrea, Sida corymbosa and Vernonia amygdalina were documented and characterized. Aqueous extracts from these nine plants induced significant sustained increases in human myometrial smooth muscle cell contractility, with varying efficiencies, depending upon time and dose of exposure. CONCLUSION The folkloric use of several plant species during childbirth in Nigeria has been validated. Seven plants were for the first time characterized to have contractile properties on uterine myometrial cells. The results serve as ideal starting points in the search for safe, longer lasting, effective and tolerable uterotonic drug leads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfred F. Attah
- Medical University of Vienna, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Schwarzspanierstr. 17, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Margaret O'Brien
- National Centre for Biomedical and Engineering Science, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - Johannes Koehbach
- Medical University of Vienna, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Schwarzspanierstr. 17, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Mubo A. Sonibare
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Jones O. Moody
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Terry J. Smith
- National Centre for Biomedical and Engineering Science, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - Christian W. Gruber
- Medical University of Vienna, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Schwarzspanierstr. 17, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
- Corresponding author. Tel.: +43 1427762511; fax: +43 142779623.
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28
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Hashempour H, Koehbach J, Daly NL, Ghassempour A, Gruber CW. Characterizing circular peptides in mixtures: sequence fragment assembly of cyclotides from a violet plant by MALDI-TOF/TOF mass spectrometry. Amino Acids 2012; 44:581-95. [PMID: 22890611 PMCID: PMC3549257 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-012-1376-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2012] [Accepted: 07/20/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Cyclotides are a very abundant class of plant peptides that display significant sequence variability around a conserved cystine-knot motif and a head-to-tail cyclized backbone conferring them with remarkable stability. Their intrinsic bioactivities combined with tools of peptide engineering make cyclotides an interesting template for the design of novel agrochemicals and pharmaceuticals. However, laborious isolation and purification prior to de novo sequencing limits their discovery and hence their use as scaffolds for peptide-based drug development. Here we extend the knowledge about their sequence diversity by analysing the cyclotide content of a violet species native to Western Asia and the Caucasus region. Using an experimental approach, which was named sequence fragment assembly by MALDI-TOF/TOF, it was possible to characterize 13 cyclotides from Viola ignobilis, whereof ten (vigno 1–10) display previously unknown sequences. Amino acid sequencing of various enzymatic digests of cyclotides allowed the accurate assembly and alignment of smaller fragments to elucidate their primary structure, even when analysing mixtures containing multiple peptides. As a model to further dissect the combinatorial nature of the cyclotide scaffold, we employed in vitro oxidative refolding of representative vigno cyclotides and confirmed the high dependency of folding yield on the inter-cysteine loop sequences. Overall this work highlights the immense structural diversity and plasticity of the unique cyclotide framework. The presented approach for the sequence analysis of peptide mixtures facilitates and accelerates the discovery of novel plant cyclotides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Hashempour
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Schwarzspanierstrasse 17, 1090 Vienna, Austria
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29
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Hicks C, Jorgensen W, Brown C, Fardell J, Koehbach J, Gruber CW, Kassiou M, Hunt GE, McGregor IS. The nonpeptide oxytocin receptor agonist WAY 267,464: receptor-binding profile, prosocial effects and distribution of c-Fos expression in adolescent rats. J Neuroendocrinol 2012; 24:1012-29. [PMID: 22420322 PMCID: PMC3399775 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2826.2012.02311.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Previous research suggests that the nonpeptide oxytocin receptor (OTR) agonist WAY 267,464 may only partly mimic the effects of oxytocin in rodents. The present study further explored these differences and related them to OTR and vasopressin 1a receptor (V(1a) R) pharmacology and regional patterns of c-Fos expression. Binding data for WAY 267,464 and oxytocin were obtained by displacement binding assays on cellular membranes, while functional receptor data were generated by luciferase reporter assays. For behavioural testing, adolescent rats were tested in a social preference paradigm, the elevated plus-maze (EPM) and for locomotor activity changes following WAY 267,464 (10 and 100 mg/kg, i.p.) or oxytocin (0.1 and 1 mg/kg, i.p.). The higher doses were also examined for their effects on regional c-Fos expression. Results showed that WAY 267,464 had higher affinity (K(i) ) at the V(1a) R than the OTR (113 versus 978 nm). However, it had no functional response at the V(1a) R and only a weak functional effect (EC(50) ) at the OTR (881 nm). This suggests WAY 267,464 is an OTR agonist with weak affinity and a possible V(1a) R antagonist. Oxytocin showed high binding at the OTR (1.0 nm) and V(1a) R (503 nm), with a functional EC(50) of 9.0 and 59.7 nm, respectively, indicating it is a potent OTR agonist and full V(1a) R agonist. WAY 267,464 (100 mg/kg), but not oxytocin, significantly increased the proportion of time spent with a live rat, over a dummy rat, in the social preference test. Neither compound affected EPM behaviour, whereas the higher doses of WAY 267,464 and oxytocin suppressed locomotor activity. WAY 267,464 and oxytocin produced similar c-Fos expression in the paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus, central amygdala, lateral parabrachial nucleus and nucleus of the solitary tract, suggesting a commonality of action at the OTR with the differential doses employed. However, WAY 267,464 caused greater c-Fos expression in the medial amygdala and the supraoptic nucleus than oxytocin, and lesser effects in the locus coeruleus. Overall, our results confirm the differential effects of WAY 267,464 and oxytocin and suggest that this may reflect contrasting actions of WAY 267,464 and oxytocin at the V(1a) R. Antagonism of the V(1a) R by WAY 267,464 could underlie some of the prosocial effects of this drug either through a direct action or through disinhibition of oxytocin circuitry that is subject to vasopressin inhibitory influences.
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Affiliation(s)
- C. Hicks
- School of Psychology, Brennan MacCallum Building, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - W. Jorgensen
- School of Chemistry, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - C. Brown
- Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - J. Fardell
- School of Psychology, Brennan MacCallum Building, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - J. Koehbach
- Medical University of Vienna, Centre for Physiology and Pharmacology, Vienna, Austria
| | - C. W. Gruber
- Medical University of Vienna, Centre for Physiology and Pharmacology, Vienna, Austria
| | - M. Kassiou
- School of Chemistry, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Discipline of Medical Radiation Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - G. E. Hunt
- Discipline of Psychiatry, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Concord Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - I. S. McGregor
- School of Psychology, Brennan MacCallum Building, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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30
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Abstract
Cyclotides are an abundant and diverse group of ribosomally synthesized plant peptides containing a cyclic cystine-knotted structure that confers them with remarkable stability. They are explored for their distribution in plants, although little is known about the individual peptide content of a single species. Therefore, we chemically analyzed the crude extract of the coffee-family plant Oldenlandia affinis using a rapid peptidomics workflow utilizing nano-LC-MS, peptide reconstruct with database identification, and MS/MS automated sequence analysis to determine its cyclotide content. Biologically, cyclotides are mainly explored for applications in agriculture and drug design; here we report their growth-inhibiting effects on primary cells of the human immune system using biological and immunological end points in cell-based test systems. LC-MS quantification of the active O. affinis plant extract triggered the characterization of the antiproliferative activity of kalata B1, one of the most abundant cyclotides in this extract, on primary activated human lymphocytes. The effect has a defined concentration range and was not due to cytotoxicity, thus opening a new avenue to utilize native and synthetically optimized plant cyclotides for applications in immune-related disorders and as immunosuppressant peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carsten Gründemann
- Center for Complementary Medicine, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University Medical Center Freiburg, Breisacher Straße 115B, D-79111 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Johannes Koehbach
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Schwarzspanierstraße 17, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Roman Huber
- Center for Complementary Medicine, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University Medical Center Freiburg, Breisacher Straße 115B, D-79111 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Christian W Gruber
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Schwarzspanierstraße 17, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
- Corresponding Author: Tel: +43-(0)1-4277-62511. Fax: +43-(0)1-4277-9623.
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31
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Koehbach J, O’Brien M, Miazzo M, Craik DJ, Freissmuth M, Gruber CW. Circular plant peptides as templates for GPCR drug discovery? BMC Pharmacol 2011. [PMCID: PMC3194248 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2210-11-s2-a16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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